SsangYongs used to be rather wonky machines, usually using some other firm’s old engine and trims and dashboards made from low grade plastics you wouldn’t keep knives and forks in.
The only thing they had going for them was price and value for money.
Today, however, the Ssangyong range – and particularly this new Korando – can be compared with serious mainstream rivals and certainly its fellow countrymen from Korea.
As is often the case with test cars, the Korando that Ssangyong gave us is the flagship model rather than the bargain basement edition.
As a consequence it wears a price that seems rather strong for this Korean brand – but when compared against Japanese and European competitors it looks less scary.
The car in question is the Korando Ultimate fitted with a diesel engine and automatic gearbox, plus four-wheel drive – all for £31,995.
That’s a combo that will appeal to many customers; particularly those who tow caravans and trailers, possibly to remote areas where the ground underfoot is often tricky.
The Korando will pull a two tonne trailer, which is impressive.
The 1.6-litre diesel engine is all new and, although relatively small in capacity and power output (136bhp), is up to towing tasks.
It’s a bit rattly around town and at low speeds, but quietens down once you’re cruising.
The automatic gearbox has six speeds and makes its changes smoothly, helping make maximum use of the engine’s torque.
A 1.5-litre petrol engine will be along later in the year, but only in front-wheel drive models.
And although it produces 161bhp, it has less torque, so not so good for towing.
The Korando is an attractive vehicle. At just under 4.5m it’s a similar length as a Ford Focus. A compact SUV in other words.
Ours has LED lamps and lots of equipment inside, much of which is not available on similarly priced rivals.
The interior is spacious with plenty of legroom front and back and a lofty seating position.
The boot isn’t vast for a SUV but at least the 407 litres of available space is boosted by a compartment under the floor which adds a further 144 litres or the optional spare wheel.
Improved material quality and fit and finish is what’s moving Ssangyong steadily up the ladder these days.
There are plenty of hard plastics around the cabin, but it’s no worse than other cars at this price.
Leather seats are standard in this trim and they’re both heated and cooled.
The Ultimate has a digital instrument cluster that’s well laid out and easy to read.
There’s also an impressive array of driver aids such as lane departure warning, collision avoidance and traffic sign recognition.
There’s cruise control but it’s not adaptive.
A tough body and an array of safety systems should see it do well in safety tests.
The Korando has independent suspension at both ends which makes for a comfortable ride. It’s at its best over big bumps, being a little jiggly over small ones.
The new Korando range starts at £19,995 for the two-wheel drive ELX.
That car might do everything you need.
At great value, with a 150,000 mile/seven-year warranty and a likely five-star safety rating, this Ssangyong is worth serious consideration.
THE FACTS
Ssangyong Korando five-door SUV
Price: £31,995
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel, 136bhp
0-62mph: 12 sec
Fuel consumption: 43.5mpg, Co2: 170g/km
THE RIVALS
Ford Kuga ST-Line Edition
Has more power, but this 4wd version can’t match Korando on value.
Kia Sportage GT Line S
Even Kia can’t match the Ssangyong on value.
Nissan Qashqai Tekna+
Gives you little that the Korando doesn’t and it’s more money.
